When a health inspector visited a popular Monterey Park Chinese restaurant recently, she discovered its famous dumplings are made elsewhere and from an unapproved source.

On Aug. 7, the Los Angeles County Public Health Department inspector also found evidence of cockroaches, rats and flies at Mama Lu’s Dumpling House, 153 E. Garvey Ave., according to a report on file with the county.

The inspector noted she observed “a male employee bringing in a shopping cart car full of Xiaolongbao in Zip lock bags from (the parking lot area. Per employee, it is made by someone offsite.” She ordered the proprietor to discontinue the sale, display and use of all foods obtained from an unapproved source at once.

In addition, the inspector found food wasn’t being held at the proper temperatures (either at 41-45 degrees or at or above 135), specifically, raw bean sprouts was measured at 71 degrees and raw white fish at 61 degrees. The food was discarded.

Among the evidence of critters observed were:

Rat droppings near the water heater, under the warewash sink and in the upstairs food storage area

Four dead cockroaches behind the dry storage shelf

One dead cockroach behind the reach-in freezer

Three dead flies and more than five live flies throughout the facility

She gave the restaurant a score of 71 and shut it down. It was allowed to reopen Aug. 9.

Restaurants and markets whose permits are suspended must close until another inspection determines the problems have been fixed. Closures can occur during routine and owner-initiated inspections, complaint investigations and reinspections.

Here are other food facilities that were temporarily closed between Aug. 6 through Aug. 11. Unless otherwise noted, the grades listed for the facilities were received on the same day they were closed.

Penny Arévalo has been writing and editing for more years than she hopes her profile photo reveals. She has an extensive background covering education, city hall, business and the law. Her passion is the hyperlocal and finding the genuine (genuinely good and genuinely bad, we tell it like it is). Fun facts: She was editor-in-chief of the UCLA Daily Bruin and one of her early-years investigations was picked up by 60 Minutes. She also made $9,500 on Wheel of Fortune, solving the bonus round puzzle half a second after the buzzer. And yes, she really did say, 'Missed it by that much,' all Maxwell Smart-like.